Torch assembly

ABSTRACT

A torch assembly comprises a rigid elongated burner tube having a distal end with a bend terminating in a fuel discharge nozzle tip directed backwardly toward the elongated burner tube in a J-shape configuration forming an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated burner tube. The nozzle tip is configured to be positioned in hard to reach places for treatment of a part by the ignited fuel. The elongated burner tube rotates 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis. An ignition device may be mounted on the elongated burner tube for igniting the fuel. Alternately, the elongated burner tube may be comprised of a flexible stay put metallic tubing which can be formed into various configurations and which remains in this configuration until it is formed into a different configuration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a torch assembly for a fuel source, and more particularly, to a torch assembly having an elongated burner tube with a distal end: terminating in a fuel discharge nozzle tip and formed in a J-shape configuration for easy positioning into hard to reach areas for treatment of one or more parts.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

It is known to provide blow torches powered by propane, propylene, acetylene, and similar fuel for a wide variety of uses, including pipe fitting and surface preparation. Examples of applications include soldering and/or brazing of materials, such as metals and plastics, thermal expansion of plastic pipe joints, preparation of painted surfaces for scraping, and loosening of nuts or similar fasteners.

It is known to provide a torch assembly connected to a fuel cylinder for pointing a flume or flame toward a surface area which needs to be treated. Many environments involve limited work spaces and many parts being treated by such torches involve application of the torch flame or flume around the exterior of the part. Several torch assemblies are currently known. Some examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,459,658; 3,223,139; 3,768,962; 4,052,116; 4,540,225; 4,545,759; 4,549,068; 4,806,722; and 6,095,801.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,459,658 to Eggers discloses a torch for removing paint or for use in brazing or soldering. The device includes a burner tube with a swivel connection for swinging the burner tube in operative and inoperative positions. U.S. Pat. No. 3,223,139 to Smith et al discloses a burner assembly including a burner device and a container. A tubular member is provided with a threaded upper end for receiving a tubular extension or angled member. This angled member is threaded to receive the internal threads of a burner nozzle. The device is such that when the burner tube is secured to the container, the operator can hold the container and aim the nozzle in a desired manner. If preferred, the operator can change the angling of the nozzle by rotating the cap.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,962 to Baranowski discloses a gas torch having a generally elongated form with an inlet tube equipped at its upstream end with a swivel coupling designed to be threadedly connected with the outlet of a pressure-regulator cylinder body. U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,116 to Sanders et al discloses that with the connections made to a swivel connector, while the sleeve is in the first axial position relative to the shaft member, a torch handle is freely rotatable throughout at least 360 degrees of an angular movement relative to the axis of the shaft member to permit efficient handling of an arch gouging torch.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,225 to Johnson et al discloses a swivel cable coupling that permits a 360 degree rotation between a cable and a tool such as an air carbon-arc cutting and gouging torch. U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,759 to Giles et al discloses a burner attachment for an aerosol container. The torch attachment has a manual control valve knob and an elongated burner tube leading to the torch. The elongated burner tube is swivel mounted on a cylinder body by a threaded bushing which is screwed into a hole leading to the outer opening. The elongated burner tube is formed of a hollow tube with an acute bend in it and has another O-ring retained between a flared end and a lock washer with a lock ring to provide a full 360 degree swivel movement.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,722 to Ivannikov discloses a welding torch with a barrel that is supported in a main base barrel adapter structure for a 360 degree rotation. The junction of the head with the conduits makes possible their rotation with respect to one another and quick disjointing by bringing the spring actuated conduits apart. The angle of swivel of the head is unrestricted and can be selected within 0 to 360 degrees, which provides for convenience for operation with either hand in every spatial attitude.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,801 to Spiewak discloses a flexible torch assembly having a configuration for having a plurality of self sustaining positions. That is, the torch sleeve includes a plurality of pivotable elements in combination with a torch tip that reduces or eliminates thermal conductivity by the plume to the torch sleeve, thus enabling the adjustment of the sleeve to a variety of self sustaining positions during operation. An additional safety element limits the rotation of the torch tip to a 180 degree rotation, or in the case of an adapter extending out of the side of the tank, limits the rotation of the torch tip to a 90 degree rotation.

There is a need in the art to provide a torch assembly which is constructed to rotate 360 degrees and which includes a fuel discharge nozzle tip configured to be easily positioned into hard to reach places for directing a flame for treatment of one or more parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has met this need. An embodiment of the present invention provides a torch assembly for attachment to a fuel source comprising an elongated burner tube having a longitudinal axis and a distal end with a bend terminating in a fuel discharge nozzle tip, the fuel discharge nozzle tip directed toward the elongated burner tube in a substantially J-shape configuration forming an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated burner tube and configured to be positioned in hard to reach places for treatment of one or more parts by the ignited fuel.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the elongated burner tube is structured to rotate 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis and the elongated tube comprises a rigid tube member.

In certain non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the torch assembly comprises an ignition device mounted on the elongated burner tube for igniting the fuel discharged from the discharge orifice of the tip.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides a torch assembly for attachment to a fuel source comprising an elongated burner tube having a longitudinal axis and a distal end forming a fuel discharge nozzle tip, the elongated burner tube comprising a flexible tubing member constructed to be formed in various configurations relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated tube for positioning the fuel discharge nozzle tip in a predetermined configuration relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated tube for treatment of a part upon ignition of the fuel.

In certain embodiments, the flexible tubing member is structured to rotate 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis and is constructed to remain in the predetermined configuration until it is formed into a different configuration.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a torch assembly for attachment to a fuel source that is structured to be easily positioned into hard to reach places for adequate treatment of one or more parts.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a torch assembly constructed and adapted to be easily inserted into hard to reach places for sufficient treatment of one or more parts while safely pointing the ignited fuel away from flammable surfaces.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a torch assembly of an embodiment of the invention comprising a rigid elongated burner tube.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the torch assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a torch assembly of FIG. 1 comprising an ignition device mounted on the rigid elongated burner tube.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the torch assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating the positioning of the torch assembly of the present invention in hard to reach places for treatment of parts.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a torch assembly of a further embodiment of the invention comprising an elongated burner tube comprising a flexible metallic tubing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a torch assembly 10 of the present invention includes a fuel discharge nozzle tip 12 and a regulator 14, the latter of which is securely fastened through suitable means well known in the art to a fuel source (not shown) which conventionally may be a gas cylinder, more about which is discussed herein below.

Regulator 14 includes a control valve assembly (not shown) and a control valve knob 20, which generally is manually controlled to control the pressure of the fuel, e.g. gas being released from the cylinder and directed through the torch assembly 10. Regulator 14 may be constructed and operate similar to the regulator disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,189 issued to Goss on Feb. 15, 1994, which is incorporated it its entirety by reference. Torch assembly 10 may be fastened to the fuel cylinder similar to that disclosed in aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,189.

Torch assembly 10 is rotatably mounted to regulator 14 by bushing nut 22. In a well known manner, bushing nut 22 is screwed into a hole leading to a fuel outlet (not shown). The torch assembly 10 comprises an elongated burner tube 24 connected to regulator 14 via a seal (not shown) which is retained between a flared surface (not shown) and a flat surface (not shown) to provide a 360 degree rotation or swivel movement along its longitudinal axis 26 as indicated in FIG. 1. The manner in which elongated burner tube 24 is connected to the regulator 14 is apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, tube 46 may be connected to member 50 in a manner such that tube 46 may rotate 360 degrees relative to member 50.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, torch assembly 10 may be used with a fuel cylinder which may be a gas container available from numerous sources in the industry. Regulator 14 is a compressed gas regulator for control of the fuel and includes a control valve assembly including a control valve controlled by control valve knob 20 to turn ON and select a desired fuel flow rate. Referring particularly to FIGS. 2-3, regulator 14 has a lower end 14 a with inner threads (not shown) for a threaded connection to the top of the fuel cylinder which, in turn, has corresponding threads. Since these components and the manner in which regulator 14 is connected to the cylinder is well known to those skilled in the art, a detailed illustration of these elements is not mandatory for a clear understanding of the invention.

Still referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, elongated burner tube 24 of torch assembly 10 will extend away from the cylinder when torch assembly 10 is mounted on the cylinder. As best shown in FIG. 2 elongated burner tube 24 has a proximal end 30 and a distal end 32. Proximal end 30 includes a first bend 34 formed at an obtuse angle, i.e. greater than 90 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis 26 (dash lines) of elongated burner tube 24 and outwardly from regulator 14. At the distal end 32 of elongated burner tube 24 is a second bend 36 which terminates in a fuel discharge nozzle tip 12. Fuel discharge nozzle tip 12 is bent toward the elongated burner tube at an acute angle indicated at “A”, i.e. less than 90 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis 26 (dash lines) of elongated burner tube 24 and the longitudinal axis 13 (dash lines) of nozzle tip 12. This second bend 36 terminating in the fuel discharge nozzle tip 12 forms a substantially J-shape configuration relative to the longitudinal axis 26 of elongated burner tube 24. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, fuel discharge nozzle tip 12 has a fuel discharge orifice 38 for delivering a flame formed by the combustible fuel which is ignited in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, elongated burner tube 24 is comprised of tubes 46 and 48 which are threaded to a connection member 50. Connection member 50 provides air inlet openings 52 located around its circumference 50 a. Air inlet openings 52 communicate with the conduits (not shown) in tubes 46 and 48 in a manner similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,447 issued Dec. 12, 1989 to Goss, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety or similar to that disclosed in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,189.

According to standard practice, air inlet openings 52 cause the induction of atmospheric air and the mixing of this air with fuel as the fuel flows through tube 48, connection 50, and tube 46. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the igniting of torch assembly 10 may occur by lighting the mixed fuel at the fuel discharge orifice 38 of tip 12 via a flint device according to standard practice. In certain embodiments, tube 48 may be a conduit member made of brass material and tube 46 may be a conduit member made of stainless steel, and the material of discharge orifice 38 may be made of brass or stainless steel, the important thing being that the material of these components must be capable of withstanding high temperatures occurring during use of the torch assembly 10. It is to be also appreciated that elongated burner tube 24 and fuel discharge orifice 38 of tip 12 may be constructed and operate similar to that disclosed in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,447.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate a further embodiment of a torch assembly of the present invention. In FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 like numerals represent like components illustrated and explained relative to FIGS. 1-3. Torch assembly 60 comprises an elongated burner tube 24 having a longitudinal axis 26 (dash lines) and a first bend at its proximal end 30 and a second bend at its distal end 32 terminating in a fuel discharge nozzle tip 68 which is bent toward the elongated tube at an acute angle A, i.e. less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 26 of elongated burner tube 24 and the longitudinal axis 13 (dash lines) of fuel discharge nozzle tip 68 as shown in FIG. 5. Similar to torch assembly 10, the second bend 36 at distal end 32 is in a J-shape configuration relative to the longitudinal axis 26. The first bend 34 at the proximal end 30 extends outwardly away from regulator 14 at an obtuse angle, i.e. greater than 90 degrees.

Torch assembly 60 is in general similar to torch assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-3, except that the igniting of torch assembly 60 occurs by ignition device 62. Ignition device 62 generally has openings 64 around its circumference, one of which is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Openings 52 communicate with air inlet openings 52 of connection member 50 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Ignition device 62 also comprises an actuator 66 which is manually operated. In general, pushing in of actuator 66 will generate an internal spark for igniting the mixed fuels in elongated burner tube 24, and therefore, lighting of a fuel stream traveling along elongated burner tube 24 and emerging at an orifice 67 of fuel discharge nozzle tip 68. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, fuel discharge nozzle tip 68 is a separate piece from elongated burner tube 24 that preferably has a threaded portion 69 for connection to the end of elongated burner tube 24. Fuel discharge nozzle tip 68 may be constructed and operate similar to that disclosed in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,886,447 and 5,286,189. Also, ignition device 62 may be constructed and operate similar to that disclosed in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,189. Tuber 48 is connected to regulator 14 for a 360 degree rotation of elongated burner tube 24. Alternatively, tube 46 may be connected to ignition device 62 for a 360 degree rotation thereof.

Torch assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-3 and torch assembly 60 of FIGS. 4-6 operate in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The design of elongated burner tube 24 in a J-shape configuration allows the fuel discharge nozzle tip 12 of torch assembly 10 and the fuel discharge nozzle tip 68 of torch assembly 60 to be positioned in areas that are generally difficult to access by torch assemblies of the prior art. The J-shape configuration of elongated burner tube and its ability for it to be rotated 360 degrees relative to its longitudinal axis 26 provide various degrees of operation for torch assemblies 10 and 60 by a workman. Fuel discharge nozzle tips 12 and 68 and their respective gas discharge orifices 38 and 67 are easily positioned into hard to reach places for supplying a flame to parts located in hard to reach places for their treatment.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, control valve knob 20 is turned counter clock-wise to control the control valve assembly which opens regulator 14 to allow fuel flow from the fuel cylinder thereby supplying pressurized fuel into elongated burner tube 24. Conversely, control valve knob 20 is turned clock-wise to close the inlet fuel flow of regulator 14 from the fuel cylinder thereby discontinuing the supply of pressurized fuel to elongated burner tube 24 similar to the teachings of the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,189. Similarly, for operation of torch assemblies 10 and 60, regulator 14 is screwed onto corresponding threads of the fuel cylinder in a well-known manner. Upon this operation, an actuating probe shown at reference number 70 in FIGS. 2-3 and 5-6 as projecting downwardly is inserted into an outlet valve in the fuel cylinder, thereby allowing the pressurized gas in the cylinder to flow upward into regulator 14 in a manner well-known to those skilled in the art.

It is to be appreciated that bend 34 in tube member 48 and bend 36 in tube member 46 may be formed during the manufacturing process of these components according to a well-known process or may be formed after assemblage of these components according to a well-known process. It is also to be appreciated that elongated tube burner 24 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 6 is of a rigid construction. That is, once bend 34 and bend 36 are formed in tube members 46 and 48 respectively, these bends 34 and 36 remain in this fixed position. More importantly, bend 34 remains in its J-shape configuration relative to the longitudinal axis 26 of elongated burner tube 24 so that fuel discharge nozzle tips 12 and 68 remain bent backwardly upon itself facing toward the longitudinal axis 26 of elongated burner tube 24.

With particular reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, it is to be further appreciated that the manner in which fuel is ignited for discharge of a flame from fuel discharge nozzle tip 68 may be similar to that disclosed in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,189. More specifically, a conductive wire may be provided in elongated burner tube 24 extending from ignition device 62 to tip 68 such that the fuel flows parallel to the conductive wire and the conductive wire is at a proper distance from the inner wall of the tube member 46 of elongated burner tube 24 to allow a spark to jump from the conductive wire to the tube and ignite the combustible fuel mixture conveyed by tube 24 and being discharged from fuel discharge nozzle tip 68.

As shown in FIG. 7, the J-shape configuration of tip 12 enables the distal end 32 to be inserted in a hard to reach place for delivering ignited fuel to the pipes as shown in FIG. 7. More specifically, since sleeve 40 and copper pipes 42 and 44 are closely located against rafter R and wall W, soldering and/or brazing of sleeve 40 around metal pipe 42 for connection of pipe 42 to pipe 44 prior to the present invention would have been difficult. The J-shape configuration of tip 12 allows the fuel discharge orifice 38, and therefore, the flame to be pointed in close proximity to sleeve 40 and pipes 42 and 44. It can be appreciated that the features of torch assembly 10 promote safety and efficiency. This same advantage applies to the design of torch assembly 60 of FIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of a torch assembly of the present invention. In FIG. 8, like numerals represent like components of FIGS. 1-6. Torch assembly 74 comprises an elongated burner tube 76 having a longitudinal axis 78 (dash lines) and a distal end 82 terminating in a fuel discharge nozzle tip 84. Elongated burner tube 76 comprises a flexible tubing member 86 that is constructed to be formed into various angle configurations relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated burner tube 76. Examples of different angle configurations in which flexible tubing member 86 can be positioned are shown in phantom in FIG. 8. The hard line configuration of FIG. 8 represents the fuel discharge nozzle tip 84 being bent backwardly toward the elongated burner tube 76 to form a substantially J-shape configuration forming an acute angle, i.e. less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 78 of the elongated burner tube 76 similar to the elongated burner tube 24 of FIGS. 1-6. However, since elongated burner tube 76 comprises flexible tubing member 86, elongated burner tube 76 may be formed in various angle configurations as indicated by arrows A and B depending on the location of the part or parts which are to be treated by the ignited fuel emitting from fuel discharge nozzle tip 84 of elongated burner tube 76. Attachment of flexible tubing member 86 to connection member 50 is achieved through suitable means in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

Flexible tubing member 86 may be comprised of a flexible metallic tubing member that comprises stay put supports in that when the fuel discharge nozzle tip 84 is formed in a predetermined angle configuration such as that indicated by arrow A, elongated burner tube 76 remains in this configuration until the flexible tubing member 86 is physically formed into another predetermined configuration such as that indicated by arrow B relative to the longitudinal axis 78 of elongated burner tube 76. This flexibility of elongated burner tube 76 allows for the positioning of the fuel discharge nozzle tip 84 in a desired location for treatment of one or more parts. Additionally, the flexible metallic tubing member 86 has a high tensile strength and a strong resistance to crushing. A suitable flexible metallic tubing member for use in the invention may be available from Whitehouse Flexible Tubing, Ltd., of Worcestershire, England. The metallic material of flexible tubing member 86 is to be such that it is capable of withstanding the high temperatures of the ignited fuel. Examples of suitable metallic material include deep drawing quality carbon steel, stainless steel, and brass. Also, fuel discharge nozzle tip 84 is made of a metallic material which is capable of withstanding the high temperatures of the ignited fuel. Examples include carbon steel, stainless steel and brass.

Torch assembly 74 of FIG. 8 may operate similarly to torch assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-3. In certain embodiments, elongated burner tube 76 may comprise an ignition device 62 similar to that shown for FIGS. 4-6. Elongated burner tube 76 may be mounted to connector member 50 for a 360 degree rotation in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, or tube 48 may be connected to regulator 14 for a 360 degree rotation in a manner well known to those skilled in the art as indicated in FIG. 8. Or alternatively, elongated burner tube 76 and tube 48 may be connected to their respective components for a 360 degree rotation in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. It is also to be appreciated that torch assembly 74 of FIG. 8 can be adapted to be positioned in hard to reach places for treatment of the parts similar to that shown in FIG. 7.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the torch assembly is connected to a fuel source which is a container connected to regulator 14. In these embodiments, the torch assembly and the container will generally be more compact compared to a torch assembly connected to a remote stationary fuel container via a long hose. It can be appreciated that the more compact embodiment of the torch assembly and container in general may make it more difficult for the torch assembly to be positioned in close proximity to the part or parts which are to be treated in view its close positioning to the container. Thus, this more compact embodiment of the torch assembly and container generally will require the configuration of the fuel nozzle discharge end afforded by the present invention.

While the present invention has been described in connection with the embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function of the present invention without deviating there from. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims. 

1. A torch assembly for attachment to a fuel source, comprising: an elongated burner tube having a longitudinal axis and a distal end with a bend terminating in a fuel discharge nozzle tip, the fuel discharge nozzle tip directed toward the elongated burner tube in a substantially J-shape configuration to form an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated burner tube and configured to be positioned in hard to reach places for treatment of one or more parts by the ignited fuel.
 2. The torch assembly of claim 1 wherein the elongated burner tube is structured to rotate 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis.
 3. The torch assembly of claim 1 further comprising an ignition device mounted on the elongated burner tube for igniting the fuel.
 4. The torch assembly of claim 1 wherein the elongated burner tube comprises a rigid tube member.
 5. The torch assembly of claim 1 further comprising a fuel regulator with a control valve assembly, the fuel regulator connecting the torch assembly to the fuel source.
 6. A torch assembly for attachment to a fuel source, comprising: an elongated burner tube having a longitudinal axis and a distal end forming a fuel discharge nozzle tip, the elongated burner tube comprising a flexible tubing member constructed to be formed in various configurations relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated tube for positioning the fuel discharge nozzle tip in a predetermined configuration relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated tube for treatment of one or more parts by the ignited fuel.
 7. The torch assembly of claim 6 wherein the elongated burner tube is structured to rotate 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis.
 8. The torch assembly of claim 6 wherein the flexible tubing member comprises a flexible metallic tubing member and is constructed to remain in its predetermined configuration until it is formed into a different configuration.
 9. The torch assembly of claim 6 further comprising an ignition device mounted on the elongated burner tube for igniting the fuel in the torch assembly.
 10. The torch assembly of claim 6 further comprising a fuel regulator with a control valve assembly, the fuel regulator connecting the torch assembly to the fuel source. 